I like many others in the community would like to see something done with the Regent Theatre so that it doesn't continue to sit there and rot. However there have to be serious doubts it could ever be a viable proposition.

The Roxy at Leeton was mentioned by a reader as an example of what can be done. I have first hand experience with the Roxy as I was finance manager for Leeton Council for a number of years. It is certainly a magnificent building and was originally taken over by community members but was never really viable and is now run by council at a loss of around $300,000 per year.

The building was in far better shape than the Regent however still required significant capital upgrade works to make it compliant with current building standards and to install digital equipment.

Upgrade works are ongoing and Leeton Council has budgeted a further $1.8 million in the current financial year which is dependant on grant funding.

- John Stuart

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